The Chicago Bulls announced Tuesday that Hoiberg, 42, is officially the 22nd head coach of the NBA franchise.

Advertisement

"He was the right guy to maximize the potential of this team," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said Tuesday.

It was widely acknowledged throughout the regular season that the former Iowa State coach was being tapped as a potential successor to then-Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, who had rifts with upper management for much of his tenure. Hoiberg, who played four of his 10 professional seasons for the Bulls from 1999-2003, has had close ties with Forman and numerous members of the team's front office.

"It's really, really been emotional to leave a comfortable situation like we had," Hoiberg said Tuesday. "My family understands this is my life dream."

Thibodeau was fired Thursday after five seasons at the helm of the Bulls, leading the franchise to the playoffs in each season and winning the Coach of the Year award in 2011. He departed with a combined coaching record of 255-139.

“When Tom was hired in 2010, he was right for our team and system at that time, and over the last five years, we have had some success with Tom as our head coach,” Forman said in a statement.

Known colloquially as "The Mayor," Hoiberg grew up in Ames, Iowa, played for the Cyclones in the early '90s, and has coached the team for the past five seasons. He departs with a record of 115-56, leading Iowa State to four NCAA Tournament appearances in five years. He signed a 10-year deal with the program in April 2013.

ESPN reported Sunday that the Bulls were working on a five-year deal worth around $25 million. Bobby La Gesse of the Ames Tribune reported via Twitter Monday night that Hoiberg had boarded a private plane for Chicago to finalize paperwork. It was later reported that he had told his players and staff that he would not be returning.

Seven of the last eight coaches hired by the Bulls, including Hoiberg, entered without any NBA head coaching experience.

The new head coach may be in the market for a new Twitter handle; his current one is @ISUMayor32.